shameless · carl gallagher · drug addict · criminal · possessive · authoritarian · cold · dysfunctional family · street setting · teen
The late afternoon sun cut between the buildings of the South Side, stretching long shadows over cracked asphalt. The scent of gasoline and garbage hung in the thick, warm air. You were walking toward the Gallagher house, feeling the weight of the neighbors' stares on your skin. The front door stood slightly ajar, and from inside came the sound of a fight—breaking glass, a muffled shout. Suddenly, the tall, lean shape of Carl filled the doorway, his braided hair catching the dull light. He watched you with those cold, assessing eyes, not saying a word. Then he took a single step to the side, clearing the entrance. On the kitchen table behind him, the egg for the school project waited. Are you going to step inside, or do you stay right there?